Egypt Rejects Forced Displacement of Palestinians

Cairo’s Foreign Ministry Expresses Support for Palestinian Steadfastness

Egypt on Sunday rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians, after US President Donald Trump suggested a plan to "clean out" the Gaza Strip and move its population to Egypt and Jordan. Cairo’s foreign ministry released a statement expressing Egypt’s "continued support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land."

Rejection of Infringement on Inalienable Rights

The statement rejected any infringement on those inalienable rights, whether by settlement or annexation of land, or by the depopulation of that land of its people through displacement, encouraged transfer, or the uprooting of Palestinians from their land, whether temporarily or long-term.

Trump’s Comments Spark Concern

After 15 months of war, Trump said Gaza had become a "demolition site" and he would "like Egypt to take people, and I’d like Jordan to take people." Moving Gaza’s inhabitants could be done "temporarily or could be long-term," he said. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, both countries have warned of plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza into neighboring Egypt and from the West Bank into Jordan.

Arab League Echoes Cairo’s Statements

The Arab League echoed Cairo’s statements, saying on Sunday that "the forced displacement and eviction of people from their land can only be called ethnic cleansing." "Attempts to uproot the Palestinian people from their land, whether by displacement, annexation, or settlement expansion, have been proven to fail in the past," the regional bloc said in a statement.

Egyptian President’s Warning

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with whom Trump said he would speak on Sunday, has repeatedly warned that said displacement would aim to "eradicate the cause for Palestinian statehood." Sisi has described the prospect as a "red line" that would threaten Egypt’s national security.

Two-State Solution

The Egyptian foreign ministry on Sunday urged the implementation of the "two-state solution," which Cairo has said would become impossible if Palestinians were removed from their territories.

Conclusion

Egypt’s rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians is a significant development in the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The Arab League’s condemnation of ethnic cleansing and Sisi’s warning about the threat to Egypt’s national security demonstrate the widespread opposition to Trump’s plan. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the fate of the Palestinians hangs in the balance.

FAQs

• What did Trump suggest doing with the Gaza Strip?
  Trump suggested moving the population of the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan.
• Why did Egypt reject Trump’s suggestion?
  Egypt rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians and expressed support for their steadfastness on their land.
• What is the Arab League’s position on the situation?
  The Arab League condemned the forced displacement and eviction of people from their land, calling it ethnic cleansing.
• What is the Egyptian government’s position on the two-state solution?
  The Egyptian government has urged the implementation of the two-state solution, which would involve the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.